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The web outpaces stores for retailer The Buckle

March 20, 2013 01:32 PM

Web sales for apparel retailer The Buckle Inc. increased 8.3% in 2012, to $84.5 million from $78.0 million, outpacing growth in comparable-store sales, which were up 2.1% in the same period, the retailer reports. And in the fourth quarter, ended Feb. 2, 2013, comparable-store sales stayed flat while web salesgrew 5.4%, to $29.1 million from $27.6 million, the retailer says.

The Buckle has been investing in the online arm of its business, Karen B. Rhoads, director and member of The Buckle’s executive committee, told investment analysts in a call last week. “We continue to do a lot of things on our online store to enhance the shopability for our guest,” she said. “And we've just recently relaunched the mobile [site] with enhanced features to make the mobile shopping experience better.”

For the fiscal year ended Feb. 2, 2013, compared with the year ended Jan. 28, 2012, the retailer reports:

Net sales were $1.124 billion, up 5.7% from $1.063 billion;

Net income was $164.3 million, up 8.4% from $151.5 million.

The web accounted for 7.5% of the retailer’s sales in the most recent fiscal year, up from 7.3% in the prior year.

For the fourth quarter, compared to Q4 of the prior year, The Buckle reports:

Net sales were $360.6 million, up 7.0% from $337.1 million;

Net income was $61.4 million, up 9.4% from $56.1 million.

For the quarter, the web accounted for 8.1% of total sales, compared with 8.2% in Q4 of the prior fiscal year.